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Just 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.

“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”

On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Genuine Title Contenders?

This is a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.

According to Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.

The Winning Formula

The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.

The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.

“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”

Is It Sustainable?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.

A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Potential for Growth

Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.

• The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.

This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.